Part-time workers and injury compensation rights

Updated: 17 Oct, 2025
By Chris Salmon

Part-time employees make up 22% of the UK workforce (Source: ONS labour market data, 2024)

Part-time workers are a vital part of the UK workforce. If you are injured at work, your rights to claim compensation are the same as those of full time colleagues. This page explains your entitlements, how your compensation is calculated, and what you should do after an accident.

At a glance

  • Part-time workers have the same legal right to claim compensation as full time employees.
  • Your employer still owes you a duty of care, regardless of your hours or contract type.
  • You can claim for lost earnings, including loss of regular part-time wages and benefits.
  • Compensation claims are usually made on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Do part-time workers have the same rights as full time workers?

Yes. Under the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000, part-time staff must not be treated less favourably than comparable full time employees. This includes pay, benefits, and the right to work in a safe environment.

If you are injured at work, your employer’s duty of care applies in exactly the same way as if you were employed full time. You may therefore be entitled to compensation if negligence or unsafe practices caused your injury.

Part time workers have exactly the same rights as full-time employees. Report your injury, get checked and keep simple records of symptoms and lost shifts. The same rules apply and keeping records helps your claim.

John Kushnick

Legal Operations Director
National Accident Law

Examples of accidents involving part-time workers

Common examples of work accidents affecting part-time staff include:

  • Slips, trips and falls in shops, restaurants, or offices.
  • Manual handling accidents, such as lifting stock without proper training.
  • Injuries caused by faulty or unsafe equipment.
  • Accidents due to lack of training or inadequate supervision.

How is compensation calculated for part-time workers?

Compensation is divided into two categories:

  • General damages – awarded for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injury.
  • Special damages – cover your financial losses, such as lost wages, medical costs, travel expenses, and care needs.

Part-time workers can claim for loss of earnings, but the calculation will reflect your regular part-time wage. If your injury prevents you from returning to work, your solicitor will also consider your future loss of earnings, based on your usual hours and pay.

How much compensation can I claim?

Your claim amount will depend on the type and severity of your injury, and on your financial losses. General damages are calculated using the Judicial College Guidelines, while special damages reflect your personal circumstances.

Our injury compensation Work Injury Compensation Calculator can give you an estimate of how much you might receive.

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you could claim
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Making a No Win, No Fee claim

Most claims are made under a No Win, No Fee agreement, also called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This means you do not pay anything upfront, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing at all.

If your claim is successful, your solicitor will deduct a success fee capped at 25% of your compensation.

What should I do after an accident?

  • Seek medical treatment and make sure your injuries are recorded.
  • Report the accident to your employer and ensure it is entered in the accident book.
  • Keep receipts, payslips and other documents to support your claim for expenses or lost wages.
  • Speak to a solicitor to discuss your options and start your claim.

Call now for free specialist advice

We'll put you straight through to an experienced work injury advisor:

  • Advice that's right for your case
  • Check if you can claim
  • No Win, No Fee explained clearly

If you decide to make a compensation claim, we'll connect you with the right solicitor.

Call 0800 218 2227
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Work Accident Advice Centre (WAAC) a Claims Management Company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref number: 835858). Registration is recorded on the FCA website https://register.fca.org.uk/. Calls are confidential and are handled by our partners at National Accident Helpline. Our privacy policy explains how we protect your data.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed October 2025 by Chris Salmon